Varun Dhawan is a fabulous actor, but outsiders should also get films: Harsh Mayar

Hichki actor Harsh Mayar expresses his discontent with Bollywood’s obsession with looks and says outsiders should get opportunities to showcase their talent.

Joining the never ending nepotism debate in Bollywood, actor Harsh Mayar aka Aatish from the Rani Mukerji-starrer Hichki, feels that everyone should get equal opportunities. The actor, who debuted with the 2011 film, I am Kalam, says, “Having been a part of the industry for some time now, I know nepotism exists. But then it’s there in every field. The main concern is that everyone should get an opportunity. I can understand when actors who belong to film families get more opportunities, but that does not mean those who don’t have the lineage won’t get a platform.”

Harsh Mayar was praised for his character of Aatish in the Rani Mukerji starrer Hichki. (Instagram/haanjiharsh)

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Citing an example, Harsh elaborates, “Much like Varun Dhawan, who is a fabulous actor, who gets many films in a year, someone who is an outsider must also get a few movies. At least let him prove his talent. Talent is the only thing that helps an artist survive. I don’t even understand why looks are given so much importance here, not everyone is fair, people are dark too.”

Talking about his initial days, Harsh says, “I started off with theatre at Shri Ram Centre. I got training from Lalit Pokharia. Then [actor] Ram Diwakar introduced me to Tom Alter and I worked with him, too. Then, I Am Kalam (2011) happened when Nila Madhav [Panda] spotted me on stage, and decided to cast in his film. I can’t go about asking people to give me work, if they like my acting, they will approach me.”

Interact with Shreya Mukherjee on Twitter/ @Shreya_MJ